United Nations S/PV.8840

Security Council Provisional Seventy-sixth year

8840th meeting Monday, 23 August 2021, 10 a.m. New York

President: Mr. Tirumurti ...... (India)

Members: China...... Mr. Geng Shuang Estonia...... Mr. Lipand France ...... Mrs. Broadhurst Estival Ireland...... Ms. Byrne Nason Kenya...... Mr. Kiboino Mexico...... Mrs. Buenrostro Massieu Niger...... Mr. Aougi Norway ...... Mr. Kvalheim Russian Federation...... Ms. Evstigneeva Saint Vincent and the Grenadines...... Ms. King Tunisia...... Mr. Ladeb United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . . Mr. Kariuki United States of America...... Mrs. Thomas-Greenfield Viet Nam ...... Mr. Dang

Agenda The situation in the Middle East

This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of speeches delivered in other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records of the Security Council. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-0506 ([email protected]). Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org).

21-23210 (E) *2123210* S/PV.8840 The situation in the Middle East 23/08/2021

The meeting was called to order at 10.05 a.m. of the Prime Minister and other ministers to Aden, have yet to resume following the Eid break in July. Adoption of the agenda No date has been set for recommencing those efforts. The agenda was adopted. Timely progress on the implementation of the Riyadh agreement remains vital to addressing the tensions The situation in the Middle East in the south, particularly since the security situation in Aden and the southern governorates continues to The President: In accordance with rule 37 of the deteriorate. The situation is compounded by continued Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the problems with the provision of basic services, including representative of Yemen to participate in this meeting. the electricity supply, despite the Saudi transfers of fuel In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s grants. That has been accompanied by further protests provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following and industrial action in Aden and other areas of the briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Mohamed southern governorates. All stakeholders must cooperate Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the to avoid further escalation. Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Military activity in Yemen continues to ebb and Operations; Mr. Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary- flow. Sporadic fighting has been observed in Al-Jawf General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency and Taiz, but Ma’rib appears to remain the key strategic Relief Coordinator, Office for the Coordination focus. In Al-Bayda, to the south of Ma’rib, the initial of Humanitarian Affairs; and Ms. Henrietta Fore, gains made by Yemeni forces supported by the Saudi- Executive Director of the United Nations International led coalition were subsequently reversed by the Houthis, Children’s Fund. who have now moved further north around the border between Ma’rib and Shabwa governorates. Based on The Security Council will now begin its those continued evolutions in the military situation, the consideration of the item on its agenda. main arterial routes to Ma’rib are now more seriously I give the floor to Mr. Khiari. threatened. In the light of this, we reiterate our call to Mr. Khiari: I am pleased to join you today, all parties to completely and immediately cease such Mr. President, to brief the Security Council on current attempts to achieve territorial gains by force. developments in Yemen. Following a brief lull in cross-border ballistic- Unfortunately, since the most recent Council missile and drone attacks against southern Saudi meeting on Yemen (see S/PV.8797) there has been no Arabia, land- and sea-based infrastructure in this area further progress in the ongoing efforts of the United have once again been targeted in recent weeks. There Nations to reach an agreement based on the four-point have also been continued reports of air strikes being plan presented to the parties, which is composed of a launched by the coalition. nationwide ceasefire, the reopening of Sana’a airport, The difficult economic situation is palpable the easing of restrictions on the flow of fuel and throughout the country. The value of the Yemeni rial in other commodities through Al-Hudaydah port, and Government-controlled areas continues to deteriorate, the resumption of face-to-face political negotiations reaching a record low, trading at 1,000 rials to the United between the Yemeni parties. States dollar. The gap in exchange rates between Sana’a The Houthis have continued to condition the and Aden has also increased to approximately 400 rials. resumption of their participation in the political process The Southern Transitional Council recently threatened on the opening of Al-Hudaydah ports and Sana’a to enforce an independent local exchange rate in airport, as well as on the ending of what they call the Aden and other areas under their control in southern “aggression and occupation”. On the occasion of Eid Yemen — a situation that is likely to further complicate al-Adha, the Head of the Houthi Supreme Political efforts aimed at a cohesive economic recovery. The Council reiterated that stance. Houthis and members of the private sector have also The negotiations facilitated by Saudi Arabia on the opposed the Government’s increase in the price of the Riyadh agreement, which were focused on the return customs dollar fee from 250 to 500 rials for imports.

2/21 21-23210 23/08/2021 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8840

Lastly, I would like to address the concerning of the humanitarian crisis and listened carefully to the issue of the fuel supply, which continues to worsen, briefings of Mark Lowcock. I am therefore grateful to particularly in Houthi-controlled areas. Only three have an opportunity now to address those issues before commercial fuel vessels have been given clearance to the Council. berth at the port of Al-Hudaydah since the beginning of There is much to address, and, in all cases, it is July. Four fuel vessels remain in the coalition holding civilians, and, as members will hear from Ms. Fore, area. All but one petrol station of the Yemen Petroleum particularly children who bear the brunt. The war Company in Houthi-controlled governorates have grinds on, as Mr. Khiari has described, including reportedly closed. The Yemen Gas Company indicated the devastating Ansar Allah offensive in Ma’rib and that there are increasingly severe cooking-gas shortages, clashes along nearly 50 other front lines. Hostilities this with waiting times understood to be approximately one year have so far reportedly killed or injured more than month to refill empty cylinders. That has significantly 1,200 civilians. Institutions and public services have driven up prices in the parallel market. We reiterate our imploded, depriving people of clean water, sanitation, call on the Government of Yemen to urgently allow the education and health care, and helping to spread entry of all essential commercial supplies — including diseases such as cholera and coronavirus, as we were fuel ships — to Al-Hudaydah without delay. All discussing before the start of the meeting. parties must prioritize civilian needs and refrain from weaponizing the economy, particularly in the light of The war has also decimated the economy. That the critical humanitarian situation in the country. collapse, as I will describe, if I may shortly, is perhaps the biggest driver of people’s humanitarian needs, The appointment of Mr. Grundberg as new Special including the risk of famine. As if all that were not Envoy for Yemen presents an opportunity to build enough, climate change is taking a direct and immediate on the tremendous efforts of Martin Griffiths in his toll. Rains this year have been among the heaviest ever, role as Envoy; assess the overall mediation approach; with more than 100,000 people affected by flooding in and focus on overcoming the obstacles that remain the past few weeks alone. ahead of us. In that regard, it is imperative to resume an inclusive Yemeni-led political process to reach a The list goes on and on. More than 20 million people negotiated solution to the conflict. We call on all parties in Yemen need humanitarian assistance and protection. and stakeholders, including the Council, to extend their That is approximately two thirds of the population, and full support and cooperation to Mr. Grundberg in his it continues to be quite an astonishing figure. However, upcoming efforts. out of all those needs, there is perhaps one overarching humanitarian priority, and that is to stop the famine. The President: I thank Mr. Khiari for his briefing. Today, approximately 5 million people are just one step I now give the floor to Mr. Griffiths. away from succumbing to famine and the diseases that go with it. Some 10 million more are right behind them. Mr. Griffiths: I thank Mr. Khiari for his briefing. I am very pleased to join Council members today for Famine is not just a food problem; it is a symptom what is, of course, quite a familiar topic, although from of a much deeper collapse, as everyone knows. In many a rather different point of view. This is my first outing ways, it is all of Yemen’s problems rolled into one, and in the Council in my new functions. I am therefore very it demands a comprehensive response. That means, of glad it concerns Yemen. course, providing immediate relief to the millions of people who are on the verge of famine. It also means Yemen really is a magnificent country. We were attacking the problems that are pushing Yemen towards talking about that just before today’s meeting started. famine in the first place. It is on that particular point I It is home to a rich culture, amazing history, beautiful think the world can do more to help. places and wonderful people. It is so much more than the war that we discuss here every month. However, Let us start with what the aid agencies are already after six years of war, the war overshadows everything. doing. On that point, we have a good story to tell for As Mr. Khiari mentioned, in my previous role, I had a change. Humanitarian funding has surged since the the immense privilege of trying to help Yemenis to get March pledging event. I would like to thank all donors, across that line, make peace and end the war. During that many of them in this Chamber, that have made that time, I was repeatedly struck by the shocking brutality happen, including major new funds announced over

21-23210 3/21 S/PV.8840 The situation in the Middle East 23/08/2021 the past six weeks by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, what most Yemenis want. The biggest challenge is the Qatar and the United States. Today the Yemen response economy. Indeed, Mr. Khiari already discussed that. plan — the annual humanitarian programme — is As Mark Lowcock often said, people in Yemen are not 50 per cent funded and has received more money than starving because there is no food in the country; they any other appeal in the world. It is therefore a testament are starving because they cannot afford it. One reason to those who have advocated for the needs of the people is because incomes have dried up. The gross domestic of Yemen. I would like to thank all our donors. product has plummeted by 40 per cent since 2015, taking many jobs with it. A quarter of the population, Those funds enable humanitarian partners and including doctors, teachers, health professionals, social agencies to help 10 million people across the whole country every single month. Without that help, Yemen workers and water and sanitation workers, rely on civil would, of course, succumb to famine. I should add that servant salaries, which, as Council members know, the majority of our partners — those humanitarian are paid only sporadically, erratically and unreliably. partners and agencies — are Yemeni non-governmental Paying civil servant salaries, which is not a new issue organizations, working in every single one of Yemen’s but one that has been much discussed, would put money 333 districts, during a live war, and that is no small feat. in the pockets of millions of people. It is also essential to keeping basic services running, many of which are key We are also working to deepen the aid presence institutions for the humanitarian response. Therefore, across the country. I should like to pay tribute here we are, of course, eager to work with the parties to to David Gressly and his team, who have travelled to continue to try to find a solution to that. I think that many parts of the country in recent weeks. That means a lot of work has been done on that, certainly by the more staff in field locations, more aid flights to places mission but also by the United Nations Development like Ma’rib, where we needed to build up the staff, and Programme and others, with regard to how to meet more road missions to front-line areas, and that is quite those immediate needs. a change. However, we must also take steps to boost other Delivering aid, as we have often discussed here, is people’s incomes, as well, protecting remittances, for often harder than it should be, mostly due to bureaucratic example, which are a lifeline for millions of families and impediments. We are working with everyone to resolve constitute Yemen’s largest source of foreign exchange. those access challenges, and support from donors and There was recently a story about the possibility of Member States will continue to be crucial on that remittances from Saudi Arabia being at risk, and they point. Naturally, we are also asking donors to increase are, of course, a very important source of income for their contributions to ensure that funds are adequately many people in Yemen. That means promoting economic distributed across various sectors. opportunities for farmers, fishing communities and Although the appeal is indeed, as I said, relatively local business. I want to stress that it is not unusual for well-funded relative to other appeals around the world, a humanitarian official, as I now am, to talk a great deal agencies will soon start running out of money again about the need for livelihoods, development funding in certain sectors in the months to come. By October, and institutions to survive through that kind of support for example, food aid will probably face cuts and and assistance. programmes in other sectors, especially health, water, Another reason that many people in Yemen cannot sanitation and shelter — I am sure that Ms. Fore will afford to eat is because, as I said, commodity prices speak about that — are already struggling. If aid levels are skyrocketing — not only food, which now is more fall sharply, the risk of famine roars back. Next month, than three times as expensive as before the war, but also the European Union, Sweden and Switzerland will host fuel, which is four times as expensive and which, of a humanitarian event on Yemen during the high-level course, has knock-on effects for other products. Prices week of the general debate of the General Assembly. are rising in part because the Yemeni currency, the rial, That meeting is an opportunity for the world to reiterate has collapsed — a disaster, of course, in a country that its commitment to addressing the crisis with new funds. relies on imports. As Mr. Khiari mentioned, foreign However, I must be clear that even a well-funded exchange injections through the Central Bank of humanitarian operation does relatively little to Yemen would help to stabilize the rial. In that regard, empower people to look after themselves, which is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was very generous in the

4/21 21-23210 23/08/2021 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8840 past. It is very good news to hear today’s announcement first place, that is, the war. The world must push, as we by the International Monetary Fund that Yemen will have so often done in this Chamber, for the nationwide receive, I think, $665 million in special drawing rights, ceasefire that Mr. Khiari mentioned today. A ceasefire which will also help the liquidity and, hopefully, stem will give desperate civilians a break. It will create space the fall of the rial. to address the drivers of the crisis, which I described Prices are also rising because the parties interfere at some length, as well as to provide the basis, as with the market. With the exception of food, Government Mr. Khiari said, for the resumption of the all-inclusive restrictions now re-route nearly all commercial imports political process necessary to end the war. away from ports held by Ansar Allah — Al-Hudaydah, From my own experience, I know that resuming of course — to Aden and elsewhere. Many of those that political process is no easy task but it is essential. imports are then shipped by road up to the north of the I want to congratulate Hans Grundberg, whom I know country, adding to the cost and, indeed, affecting the well, on his appointment as Special Envoy. He, of black market. That approach is much more expensive. course, has all our support for his difficult and essential It opens the door for market manipulation, and the end central task. I hope that the war, which has gone on for result is much higher costs and prices for people who too long, can now come to an end. cannot afford the previous prices. The President: I thank Mr. Griffiths for his briefing. I want to be very clear about the fact that restrictions on commercial imports beyond the international arms I now give the floor to Ms. Fore. embargo should be lifted right away. That means that Ms. Fore: More than six years ago, adults started a Al-Hudaydah and Saleef ports should be open without war in Yemen. They did so despite knowing the terrible additional impediment. Other market manipulation, toll that violent conflict exacts on children. The war in such as profiteering downstream through the informal Yemen, now in its seventh year, has created the largest market, must also stop. Doing that, as Mr. Khiari humanitarian crisis in the world — one made worse by already said, would boost civilians’ access to the goods the public health and socioeconomic consequences of that they need to survive. He talked about the need for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Since fuel ships to enter those ports. That is consistent with I last spoke to the Security Council about Yemen in the obligation of all parties to treat the civilians under the Chamber two years ago (see S/PV.8525), little has their control humanely, as is required by international changed for the country’s civilian population. Each day, humanitarian law, It is an obligation and a responsibility; the violence and destruction wreak havoc on the lives of it is not an option. children and their families. This year has seen growing It is also consistent with the obligation under displacement, with 1.6 million children now internally international human rights law to uphold an adequate displaced because of the violence, particularly around standard of living. Refraining from interference with Al-Hudaydah and Ma’rib. Basic services, such as health access to essential goods and services is an important care, sanitation and education, all of which are vital to step towards fulfilling that obligation. I want to make the humanitarian response, are incredibly fragile and that appeal to the Council. on the brink of total collapse. The widespread lack On a related point, I believe that Sana’a airport of access to safe and sufficient water is of the utmost should be reopened — at least for the thousands of concern. Those who are internally displaced are civilians to travel abroad for medical care. International particularly vulnerable to the ongoing water cuts taking humanitarian law requires all parties to care for the place across the front lines. wounded and the sick, and that should include travel As both Mr. Griffiths and Mr. Khiari thoughtfully abroad when treatment is not available. outlined, Yemen’s economy is in a frighteningly poor To conclude, I have gone on perhaps excessively condition. The gross domestic product has dropped by about the way in which the economy is driving needs 40 per cent since 2015, causing jobs to disappear and and risking famine in Yemen and that it is also the family incomes to plummet. Approximately a quarter economy to which we need to pay attention in order of the population, including many doctors, teachers and to give people safety from that threat. But we must sanitation workers, rely on civil servant salaries, which not forget what caused the economy to collapse in the are paid erratically, if at all. There is food in Yemen, as

21-23210 5/21 S/PV.8840 The situation in the Middle East 23/08/2021

Martin Griffiths just said, but those who cannot afford We are doing everything we can to help children it are at risk of starvation. get through this ordeal. Shoulder to shoulder with our local partners, we are providing access to clean water Today in Yemen, almost 21 million people, and sanitation along with health, nutrition, protection including 11.3 million children, need humanitarian and education services. Those efforts include delivering assistance to survive. There are 2.3 million children vaccines and supporting primary health-care centres who are acutely malnourished and nearly 400,000 and hospitals to remain operational. We are responding children under five are suffering from severe acute to COVID-19 and are providing emergency cash malnutrition and are at imminent risk of death. More transfers to 1.5 million households every quarter, than 10 million children and close to 5 million women benefiting approximately 9 million people. cannot properly access health services. In Yemen, one child dies every 10 minutes from preventable causes, Across the country, UNICEF is supporting the including malnutrition and vaccine-preventable treatment of acute malnutrition in more than 4,000 diseases. As Mr. Griffiths said, children’s education in primary health-care facilities and 100 therapeutic Yemen has also been gravely impacted by the war. Two feeding centres. We are working to rehabilitate schools million children are out of school and one in six schools and have provided financial support and supplies so can no longer be used. Two thirds of teachers — more that secondary-school students can sit for national than 170,000 teachers in total — have not received exams. But none of that is enough given the scale of the a regular salary for more than four years because of humanitarian needs amid the ongoing violence. the conflict and the geopolitical divides. That places There have been glimmers of progress on the approximately 4 million additional children at risk political front and occasional signs of hope that this of disrupted education or of dropping out, as unpaid nightmare could soon come to an end. Yet there are no teachers quit teaching to find other ways of providing tangible signs of peace on the ground. In fact, hostilities for their families. Children who do not finish their have increased significantly in places such as Ma’rib. education are trapped in a self-perpetuating cycle of All the while, children continue to suffer. After six poverty. If out-of-school children or those who have years of war, when will parties to the conflict and those dropped out recently are not properly supported, they with influence over them place children first? I once may never return to school, so we are deeply worried. again call on them and the members of the Council to These are the numbers. But the numbers do not make every possible effort to keep children safe and really tell us what it is like to be a child growing up in to abide by their legal obligations to keep them out of Yemen today. Being a child in Yemen means watching the line of fire. That includes sparing from attack the one’s parents struggle to provide enough food for the essential infrastructure on which children depend, such family to eat in order to not starve. It means that a child as health facilities and water and sanitation systems. who is fortunate enough to have a school to go to could I want to emphasize that respecting and protecting be killed by a bullet, an explosion or by stepping on a education, including schools, students and teachers, mine walking along the road simply to get to school. It is of the utmost importance for Yemeni children and means possibly being one of the children recruited to youth. We remain gravely concerned about the severity join the fighting, used by a party in a non-combat role and frequency of threats and attacks against education or forced into marriage the family is out of options. and the use of schools for military purposes. The Being a child in Yemen means probably experiencing implications of such attacks on the safety of students or witnessing horrific violence to which no child should and their ability to enjoy their right to education cannot be overstated. All parties bear responsibility for killing ever be exposed. Children who survive the war might and maiming children. All parties have regularly failed carry physical and emotional scars for the rest of their to take the necessary precautions to protect civilians. lives, undermining their development and happiness This must end. as adults. Fighting around their communities means that it may be impossible for children to get vaccinated In addition, UNICEF and our partners need against polio or other diseases. And if they do get sick, sustained, unconditional and uninterrupted there may be no hospital or clinic for them to safely humanitarian access to people in need wherever they visit. Being a child in Yemen is the stuff of nightmares. are in Yemen — no matter who controls the areas in

6/21 21-23210 23/08/2021 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8840 which they live. Bureaucratic hurdles should not get in Mr. Kariuki (United Kingdom): I welcome the way of our ability to deliver aid. We value support Mr. Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian from donors and Member States in resolving those Affairs, in his new functions. I would like to thank challenges. We need help to safely and effectively carry all of our briefers today, and I would like to welcome out the crucial demining work needed. the Secretary-General’s appointment of Ambassador Grundberg as Special Envoy to Yemen. We look Yemen imports nearly everything, including forward to working with him, as we did with Under- humanitarian supplies. We must reopen the port of Secretary-General Griffiths. Al-Hudaydah to commercial imports and fuel. Millions more could be plunged into famine if vital imports Ambassador Grundberg’s appointment is an remain restricted. opportunity to inject new momentum to peace efforts in Yemen. We all know that there is no military The last time I addressed the Security Council solution. Over a year and a half since it began, the on Yemen was before the pandemic (see S/PV.8525). Houthi offensive on Ma’rib remains entrenched, and As Mr. Griffiths has noted, COVID-19 has further they resort to enlisting child soldiers. The Houthis must complicated this already dire humanitarian situation. not replicate previous patterns of behaviour and should The health system is hanging by a thread. So is the engage in good faith with the new Special Envoy to economy. Vaccination campaigns across the country secure a political solution to the conflict. must be urgently expanded, especially with the emergence of highly transmissible COVID-19 variants. As highlighted by our briefers, urgent steps are needed to address the economic crisis. In the south, I also take this opportunity to urge the international the Yemeni rial recently passed the symbolic mark of community to increase its financial support to help meet 1,000 rials to the dollar for the first time. That decline the immediate needs of children and make longer-term is symptomatic of the health of the wider economy. investments to prevent the complete collapse of health, As Mr. Griffiths said, dire humanitarian conditions water, sanitation, nutrition, protection and education are driven by the lack of purchasing power, not by the systems — all of which Yemeni children need now and lack of goods themselves. The Yemenis cannot afford over the years to come. food or to pay for a trip to the hospital, let alone pay UNICEF and our partners are ready to work with for treatment once they get there. External financial the parties to ensure that the salaries of civil servants support is needed, but urgent reform is required by the are paid regularly — a step that would put money back Government of Yemen in order to facilitate that. in the pockets of millions of people, helping families I would also like to recognize and thank the United to survive. It would also support the functioning of States and Gulf donors for their recent additional the basic services that are essential to a successful contributions to the humanitarian appeal, which humanitarian response. have helped Yemen avoid famine for now. However, Likewise, we must also take steps to boost people’s a relatively well-funded humanitarian response incomes. That means protecting remittances, which will not be able to keep pace with the deteriorating are a lifeline for millions of families and constitute economy forever. Yemen’s largest source of foreign exchange. We also continue to be concerned about the Ultimately, children in Yemen need a comprehensive spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It is and lasting peace. Parties to the conflict must work only a matter of time before the delta variant reaches to reach a negotiated political solution. They must Yemen and exacerbates an already terrible situation. prioritize and uphold the rights of children. Only then The authorities must acknowledge that impending will children be able put this nightmare behind them risk rather than suppress the collection of health and turn hopefully towards their dreams for the future. data. They should encourage rather than impede the vaccination programme. In partnership with the The President: I thank Ms. Fore for her briefing. World Bank and the World Health Organization, the I shall now give the floor to those members of the United Kingdom will fund the roll-out costs for nearly Council who wish to make statements. 2 million doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine

21-23210 7/21 S/PV.8840 The situation in the Middle East 23/08/2021 allocated to Yemen by the COVID-19 Vaccine Global of Yemen and restrictions on the delivery of food, Access Facility. medicines, fuel and other essential goods. We would recall that the assistance provided must not be biased The conflict is having a disproportionate effect or discriminatory. on the marginalized people of Yemen, particularly children, as we heard from the Executive Director of Furthermore, we are convinced that mutually UNICEF, and each day that peace is delayed, they are acceptable solutions, free from hidden political being robbed of a future. The United Kingdom supports agendas, can also be found to resolve the issue of the important work of UNICEF, having provided more the FSO SAFER oil tanker. Unfortunately, we are than $16 million so far this year, with a further payment compelled to note that talks have yet to bring about the of at least $6.5 million expected next month. desired result. At the same time, it is important that other nationally conceived solutions to the issue have Ms. Evstigneeva (Russian Federation) (spoke in emerged and that the Ansar Allah movement is showing Russian): We are grateful to our briefers today, Mohamed its willingness to engage in dialogue with the United Khaled Khiari, Martin Griffiths and Henrietta Fore, for Nations. Confidence-building measures constitute one the information that they provided. of the keys to solving the FSO SAFER issue. In that We are concerned about the continuing escalation regard, we count on the assistance and efforts of the of violence in Yemen. Reports indicate an increase in new Special Envoy to restore such measures through the number of Yemeni deaths in Ma’rib province as a contacts with all Yemeni and regional stakeholders. result of the Houthis’ attempts to take control of the city We hope that the new Special Envoy of the and the Government army’s retaliation, with massive Secretary-General for Yemen, Mr. Hans Grundberg, air support from the Arab coalition. Attacks on civilian will be able to develop fresh approaches to resuming the infrastructure, including in Saudi Arabia, are of serious comprehensive negotiation process under the auspices concern to us. In the six years since the conflict began, of the United Nations. We eagerly look forward to his it has become clear that there is no alternative to first briefing before the Security Council in September, intra-Yemeni talks that take into account the interests as well as to actions and initiatives to achieve a swift and concerns of all. political settlement. We hope that he will act impartially In that regard, we call on all parties to the conflict to and neutrally. For our part, we will continue to assist immediately and fully cease military operations, strictly United Nations mediation in Yemen through regular observe the provisions of international humanitarian contacts with all parties concerned. law and pursue political and diplomatic paths towards We believe that the role of the Security Council resolving all differences. We intend to continue to is not to take sides but to support the Special Envoy, support the relevant United Nations efforts to achieve including by creating a constructive environment in a comprehensive and lasting settlement to the conflict relations among the parties concerned in the region. and actively encourage all sides to adopt a constructive We call on colleagues once again to cooperate together approach to and show a readiness for compromise. In at the international level to achieve a region-wide that context, we note and welcome the mediation efforts de-escalation. In that regard, we draw attention to of the States of the region, including Oman. the updated Russian concept for collective security in We are convinced that a cessation of hostilities must the Persian Gulf region, which we recently circulated be accompanied by the implementation of a number of within the Security Council and the General Assembly. confidence-building measures in the political, military Ms. King (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines): and socioeconomic spheres, which would truly help We begin by welcoming the remarks provided by alleviate the dire situation of the Yemeni population, Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari and Under- which the United Nations has characterized as the Secretary-General Martin Griffiths, with whom it worst humanitarian crisis in the world. is indeed a pleasure to continue working. We also welcome Ms. Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF, and We call on donors to scale up efforts to provide thank her for her remarks. the necessary financial support for United Nations humanitarian assistance. At the same time, we stress The recent UNICEF report entitled “Education the need to fully lift the naval, land and air blockade disrupted” is illuminating. The figures highlighting the

8/21 21-23210 23/08/2021 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8840 number of children out of school and those in need of efforts made towards providing aid to Yemen, but emergency education support are of concern, as well as there must be internal accountability as well. We the number of children in need of humanitarian help, urge all authorities to continue their efforts and divert including those without access to safe water, sanitation their attention away from fighting. The pandemic or hygiene — all of which contribute to a very desolate is affecting an already vulnerable population, and a and disheartening picture. fragile health-care system is now breaking under the Of particular concern is the fact that some of the weight of it all. We call on all actors within Yemen to children born into the conflict have known only this ensure unhindered and equal access to health care and dismal quality of life, which is indeed heartbreaking. to humanitarian assistance. They are living their lives against the backdrop of Mohamed Khaled Khiari began his briefing this crisis-level food insecurity, a pandemic, ongoing morning by underscoring that since the most recent hostilities and a humanitarian crisis so grave that it has briefing on Yemen to the Security Council (see been designated the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. S/PV.8797), there has been no progress. Let me close Restricted access to education is directly impacting by emphasizing that the unrelenting efforts towards those children and indirectly damaging the prospects military gain, the impact of which is unjustifiably borne for building a stronger and more stable Yemeni civil by the civilian population, must cease immediately. society. We take this opportunity to welcome the work Nothing in the six years of this conflict has indicated that UNICEF and its partners have been doing to that this approach is an appropriate or justified one. combat the collapse of the education situation, provide The only way to achieve a successful end to the war access to formal and non-formal education and ensure is through an inclusive and balanced Yemeni-led, the healthy and sustainable growth of children. Yemeni-owned and Yemeni-focused dialogue. We call On the humanitarian front, we welcome the on all actors on the ground, and those with influence additional funding of the humanitarian response over them, to concentrate efforts on achieving a plan, which has preserved a number of life-saving nationwide ceasefire that would support credible humanitarian operations. We also welcome the recent political negotiations undertaken in good faith and in funding announcements made by international partners the spirit of compromise. and call on the international community to maintain Mr. Lipand (Estonia): I thank Assistant Secretary- the momentum. We take this moment to underscore General Khiari, Under-Secretary-General Griffiths the link between the economic and the humanitarian situations, both of which are dependent on one another. and Executive Director Fore for their briefings. I also Without support for the economy, many Yemenis are welcome the nomination of Mr. Hans Grundberg as the unable to afford the basic food and services needed for new Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen. everyday survival. We wish him success and look forward to working with him in his efforts to achieve peace in Yemen. We also In that context, we emphasize the importance of call upon all parties to engage constructively with the remittances from abroad, on which many Yemenis rely. new Special Envoy. Those remittances are a crucial lifeline to those within Yemen, the loss of which would only exacerbate the It has been very disappointing to witness the lack humanitarian and economic situation. We must also of progress over the past months, as was also lamented emphasize a humanitarian and existential risk that is by Mr. Khiari. If the past six years of war have beyond the control of the parties in Yemen, namely, shown anything, it is that the conflict has no military climate change. Let all of us around this table fulfil our solution. It is vital that all parties show willingness to responsibilities to the most vulnerable in the world and compromise and agree to a sustainable and nationwide tackle the problem of climate change in earnest. ceasefire and resume an inclusive political process, with the participation of women and youth. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic, let us not We call upon the Government of Yemen and the forget that for many in Yemen, this is another toxic Southern Transitional Council to refrain from actions dimension to the conflict that further exacerbates its that will further increase tensions in an already volatile socioeconomic impact. We recognize all international situation. We urge them to resume the implementation

21-23210 9/21 S/PV.8840 The situation in the Middle East 23/08/2021 of the Riyadh agreement, which is an essential step on Two months ago, Martin Griffiths’ assessment at the path towards achieving a wider peace. the end of his three-year mandate (see S/PV.8797) was that there had been a failure of the various proposals We are deeply concerned about the ongoing aimed at reconciling the positions of the parties in hostilities, which continue to have a devastating effect on the people of Yemen, especially in Ma’rib, where order to achieve a national truce that would create the the Houthis’ assault continues, but also in Al-Bayda conditions for resuming the political process. and elsewhere. Alarmingly, the number of civilian The parties to the conflict must come to terms casualties has reached levels higher than before the with the fact that the civil war between them cannot be signing of Stockholm Agreement in December 2018. In resolved by military force but rather through sincere, Ma’rib alone, tens of thousands have been displaced this inclusive dialogue without any conditions. Achieving year. This all adds to the already dire socioeconomic a ceasefire remains essential to giving the political conditions, the impending famine, the coronavirus process a chance to resume for a comprehensive and disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the widespread sustainable settlement of the crisis, which has been flooding, as was well illustrated by Mr. Griffiths. tearing the country apart for seven years. Turning to the effects of the conflict on children, We call on all actors to show not only responsibility we fully share the concerns raised by Ms. Fore. Without and restraint but also great compassion for the people of an end to the hostilities, humanitarian organizations Yemen, who have suffered so much, by putting an end have only limited means to help the 400,000 children to this tragedy, which has lasted far too long. Indeed, suffering from acute malnutrition, the families affected that is our only hope for a return to peace in this country by COVID-19, the children being deprived of education and an improvement of the humanitarian crisis that has and the record number of families forced to flee their plagued Yemen for several years. home due to the conflict. With regard to the humanitarian situation, my We are deeply worried about the high number of delegation remains concerned about the distressing child casualties in attacks by various parties to the conditions of the people of Yemen, primarily caused conflict. We also condemn the continued attacks on by the continued war in the country. Nearly 20 million schools and hospitals, as well as the recruitment and people need assistance to survive, but the humanitarian use of children in hostilities, in clear violation of response plan is only 47 per cent funded. My delegation international humanitarian law. calls on donor countries, in particular those in the In order to alleviate the dire humanitarian region, to be more generous in order to prevent further situation, it is important to ensure unhindered access of loss of life. It is equally crucial that the obstacles to humanitarian actors, so as to reach all in need. It is also the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the country, essential to guarantee a regular flow of fuel and other in particular through the port of Al-Hudaydah and essential commodities to all parts of the country. the airport in Sana’a, be lifted immediately to prevent Finally, we reiterate our call upon the Houthis to Yemen from slipping into a large-scale famine. ensure immediate and full access to the FSO SAFER oil The situation of the FSO SAFER oil tanker also tanker for the United Nations team. remains a source of great concern, particularly because Mr. Aougi (Niger) (spoke in French): I thank of its condition and the increased risk of environmental Mr. Khiari, Mr. Griffiths and Ms. Fore for their briefings. disaster that it poses. It is high time that the Ansar Allah authorities assume their responsibility to avert an oil spill The Niger deplores the fact that after so many years by granting without delay all necessary authorizations of a multifaceted crisis and intensive diplomatic efforts, and guarantees to the United Nations team. the parties to the conflict in Yemen are unable to agree on the minimum necessary for a return to peace in the In conclusion, the Niger welcomes the appointment country. That minimum, as we all know, is the cessation of Mr. Hans Grundberg as Special Envoy for Yemen of hostilities throughout the country, which is a sine and assures him of its full support for all his efforts to qua non condition for making real progress on all other ensure a resumption of dialogue between the parties in aspects of the crisis. Yemen and restore peace in the country.

10/21 21-23210 23/08/2021 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8840

Mr. Kvalheim (Norway): Norway would like We welcome the appointment of Hans Grundberg to start by thanking the briefers. We join Council as the new Special Envoy for Yemen and hope that members in welcoming Mr. Griffiths back, now in his he can push forward towards much-needed progress. new capacity as head of the Office for the Coordination Mr. Grundberg has Norway’s full support, and we look of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). We extend a special forward to working with him. We would also like to thanks to Henrietta Fore of UNICEF for her remarks. once again stress the need for progress on the FSO Indeed, children are the main victims of war, and we SAFER oil tanker issue and urge the Houthis to engage thank UNICEF, as well as Special Representative for constructively with the United Nations and others to Children and Armed Conflict Gamba de Potgieter, avert an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe. in her briefing last month to the Security Council Norway will also continue to advocate for an Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 inclusive political process that prioritizes the full, (2014), for bringing attention to the war’s horrific toll equal and meaningful participation and leadership of on children. women. Indeed, participation should not be limited The United Nations has long characterized Yemen to those who resort to violence. The process must be as the world’s worst man-made humanitarian crisis. Yemeni-owned and Yemeni-led, with regional actors There is an urgent need for a nationwide ceasefire. A and diverse Yemeni actors also playing a key role. Only ceasefire would allow for much-needed humanitarian a political solution can bring about lasting peace and relief, the opening of roads to many parts of the country prosperity in Yemen. and children to safely attend school. We are therefore Mrs. Broadhurst Estival (France) (spoke in concerned about the offensive continuing in the area French): I, too, would like to thank Mr. Khaled Khiari, around Ma’rib and other parts of Yemen, worsening Martin Griffiths and Henrietta Fore for their briefings. the already dire humanitarian situation. We continue to I would like to take this opportunity to commend the be worried about increasing tensions in the south and work done by Martin Griffiths as Special Envoy for the lack of cooperation in accordance with the Riyadh Yemen. I thank him for all his efforts and wish him agreement. Rivalry and fragmentation, whether in the all the best in his new role. I also welcome Ms. Fore to south or on the west coast, only derail efforts to secure today’s meeting. The plight of children in the armed peace and stability. conflict in Yemen deserves the Council’s full attention. It is clear that humanitarian needs are immense. We have repeatedly stated that only a political Restrictions on imports through the Al-Hudaydah solution will bring an end to the war in Yemen. However, port continue, thereby contributing to severe fuel today the Houthis reject all solutions. Instead of seeking shortages and price increases. Restrictions on freedom peace, they continue their offensive against Ma’rib and of movement across the country and bureaucratic Saudi territory. We strongly condemn such actions. impediments are a real challenge for people in need Instead of preventing an environmental, humanitarian of humanitarian aid and basic services. Despite the and economic disaster, they continue to engage in difficulties, I am glad to hear from OCHA that the unacceptable blackmail, refusing to allow the United United Nations is delivering aid to all provinces. Nations mission to inspect the FSO SAFER oil tanker. It Norway is also concerned about reports from the has been more than a year now. The Houthis must grant World Health Organization of attacks on health-care the United Nations immediate and unconditional access workers and patients. Protecting the health, welfare to the oil tanker. and lives of health-care workers on the front line is Instead of allowing Yemeni children to return to critical to enabling a better humanitarian response. school, they recruit and enrol them in summer camps, Additionally, camps for the growing population of and make heavy use of them on the battlefield. We firmly internally displaced persons lack basic infrastructure condemn such acts and call for them to end. We call and services. According to Save the Children, nine out for respect for Security Council resolutions, including of 10 children in camps for displaced persons do not have those on children in armed conflict and international sufficient access to basics, such as food, clean water humanitarian law. The Council must be ready to take and education. Overall, we call on all actors to ensure the necessary measures. The Houthis must also engage immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. in good-faith dialogue towards a political solution with

21-23210 11/21 S/PV.8840 The situation in the Middle East 23/08/2021 the new Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg. Of course, he continue to break out in several areas, including Abyan, can count on France’s full support. Ad Dali’, Al-Hudaydah, Lahij and Taiz. We also note the continuing attacks on Saudi targets. We know what is needed to end the crisis in Yemen — a comprehensive ceasefire, the reopening Mexico welcomes the biannual report of the Group of Sana’a airport and the port of Al-Hudaydah and of Eminent Experts on Yemen. We call for the Group’s discussions on a comprehensive, inclusive political inspection of the weapons seized near the Yemeni coast solution that will allow for the effective participation to be facilitated. We are deeply concerned about the of women. Here in the Council, we have also repeatedly numerous violations of international humanitarian law expressed our concerns about potential threats to reflected in the report. We urge the parties to comply Yemen’s territorial integrity. We firmly reiterate that it with their obligations under international humanitarian must be fully respected. law, protect civilians, allow unhindered access to humanitarian assistance and promote respect for human So long as the Houthis reject peace, the Yemeni rights, in particular with regard to vulnerable groups people will continue to suffer. We must do our utmost such as women and children. to ease the suffering of the 20 million people depending on humanitarian assistance, as Martin Griffiths We also express deep concern about the recalled, including the more than 4 million displaced approximately 3,500 Houthi-run summer camps persons, of whom nearly 2 million are children. The and centres for the recruitment of minors, which are risk of large-scale famine increases each day. We have attended by children as young as seven years old. a collective responsibility and moral duty to stop this Mexico calls upon Ansar Allah to put an end to such humanitarian tragedy in its tracks. practices, which radicalize Yemeni youth. We would recall that instigation of and incitement to violence are a We must do our utmost to accelerate the serious threat to peace, security and stability in Yemen coronavirus disease vaccination campaign and enable and the region, and must therefore cease. We also note equitable access to vaccinations. Now more than ever that, while recruitment by armed groups affects mostly before, immediate, comprehensive, safe and unimpeded boys, the number of girls who fall victim to sexual humanitarian access must be guaranteed to all persons violence or are forced into early marriage continues to in need, in particular in all Houthi-controlled areas. grow at an increasing rate. Lastly, and we cannot stress this point enough, the Such actions not only jeopardize the peace protection of civilians, including humanitarian and and prosperity of future Yemeni generations but medical staff, must remain an absolute imperative. also represent serious violations of international Arbitrary detentions, torture, gender-based sexual humanitarian law. While we appreciate the coalition’s violence and the use of children in hostilities commitment to ceasing and preventing violations are intolerable. The perpetrators of violations of against the rights of children, we urge it to redouble international humanitarian law and international its efforts to uphold its obligations under international human rights law will not go unpunished. humanitarian law, as well as to further mechanisms France will remain fully mobilized to bring an end to identify and bring to justice those guilty of crimes to the war in Yemen and resolve tensions in the region. against children. The Council has in unison made its demands clear, and Mexico reiterates the importance that all parties to it is high time for them to be met. the conflict protect Yemeni children. Finally, we urge Mrs. Buenrostro Massieu (Mexico) (spoke in the continuation of efforts to strengthen cooperation Spanish): I thank Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed among the Committee established pursuant to resolution Khiari, Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths and 2140 (2014), the Working Group on Children and Armed Executive Director Henrietta Fore for their briefings. Conflict, the Office of the Special Representative of the We welcome Mr. Griffiths in his new capacity and wish Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict him every success in his latest role. Lastly, I welcome and U NICEF. the delegation of Yemen, here with us today. On other issues, we applaud the efforts by Saudi We are again deeply concerned about the increase Arabia and Oman, as well as the United States Special in violence. In addition to Ma’rib, pockets of fighting Envoy, to mediate between the parties. We emphasize

12/21 21-23210 23/08/2021 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8840 that the solution to the Yemeni conflict will not be by this moment because time is precious and lives are armed means but requires a nationwide ceasefire and being lost. a political process led by the Yemenis themselves. We The Houthi offensive on Ma’rib has stalled but it therefore urge the Houthi leadership, as well as the other has not become any less brutal. June was the deadliest parties to the conflict, to participate constructively and month for civilians in nearly two years. That offensive actively in the United Nations-facilitated dialogue. We is costly. We have all seen the images of Houthi missile also stress that the broad participation of the various strikes that killed women and children. We urgently political, civil society and minority groups, including need a nationwide ceasefire so that other areas of Yemen the full, equal and meaningful participation of Yemeni do not endure unnecessary violence and suffering. women, is indispensable to the political transition. The Saudi-led coalition and the Government Unfortunately, we must reiterate our deep concern of the Republic of Yemen have shown openness to a about the situation of the FSO SAFER tanker and the ceasefire but the Houthis seem determined to continue risk that it poses to the environment, humanitarian their military campaign. This is the moment to change access and trade in general. Mexico urges Ansar Allah their minds. Between the stalemate in Ma’rib, the to cease obstructing the inspection of the vessel by appointment of a new United Nations Special Envoy and United Nations technical bodies. an unprecedented regional consensus on resolving the Mrs. Thomas-Greenfield (United States of conflict, we have a valuable opportunity for dialogue. America): The United States greatly appreciates today’s The parties must seize that opportunity and finally informative briefing. We welcome Under-Secretary- bring the conflict to an end. General Griffiths back to this monthly meeting on Only a durable peace agreement between Yemen in his new capacity. I also thank Executive the Yemeni parties can begin to reverse the dire Director Fore for her briefing and Assistant Secretary- humanitarian situation facing Yemenis, with more General Khiari for his update. We also welcome than 2 million young Yemenis facing life-threatening the participation of the Yemini Government in this malnutrition. To address that situation immediately, meeting today. the United States announced nearly $165 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Yemen We warmly welcome the Secretary-General’s earlier this month. That will support the World Food appointment of Hans Grundberg as the United Nations Programme in providing emergency food assistance for Special Envoy for Yemen. The United States is eager more than 11 million people every month. to work with Special Envoy Grundberg as he consults widely with a broad cross-section of the Yemeni people. We reiterate the call for other countries, especially We look forward to his plan for the next stage of the those in the region, to increase their support for the United Nations peace efforts and to his briefing the United Nations Yemen humanitarian response plan, Security Council soon. We were disappointed to hear which remains severely underfunded. In that regard, I today that there has been no progress on these talks since thank Qatar for its recent contribution of $100 million the last briefing by Assistant Secretary-General Khiari. to support humanitarian operations in Yemen. Today I would like to discuss three aspects of We also cannot lose sight of another heartbreaking the conflict in Yemen: the need to put an end to all dimension of this conflict — the abuses that the Houthis violence; the need to address the humanitarian crisis; continue to inflict on children. I thank Henrietta Fore and the need to address the underlying economic and for raising such concerns. The United States is alarmed fuel grievances exacerbating the conflict. by the latest reports of the Houthis’ recruitment of thousands of children into military training and The new Special Envoy presents us with a real indoctrination camps. That threatens the country’s opportunity. The conflict in Yemen is a rare case where long-term stability, but, more important, it is just plain the Security Council and the international community wrong and gut-wrenching. Children are not warriors. share a broad consensus. We all agree that the fighting That cannot continue, as Council members heard from must end, and we all agree that a political path to peace, the Executive Director of UNICEF. We must place one with meaningful participation by women, minority children first and we must keep them safe, allowing leaders and civil society, must be pursued. Let us seize them to pursue their education.

21-23210 13/21 S/PV.8840 The situation in the Middle East 23/08/2021

Finally, taking a step back, we must address the 2532 (2020), and explore opportunities for face-to- economic issues in Yemen because they are inextricably face negotiations. It is also important to work closely linked to the broader peace and humanitarian efforts. with the new Special Envoy, regional partners and the We cannot reach a durable solution to the conflict or international community on the United Nations-led adequately address food insecurity if the underlying peace proposal for Yemen. economic grievances that have driven the conflict since its beginning are not addressed. Martin Griffiths laid On the humanitarian front, it is encouraging to out the concerns quite effectively, noting that 5 million learn about recent contributions from donors to the people are on the verge of famine. humanitarian work in Yemen. However, we would like to stress the importance of greater funding and For the same reasons, the United States urges Saudi increased reimbursement so that the humanitarian Arabia, the Yemeni Government and the Houthis to take agencies are able to provide aid for those in need in the steps to ensure that fuel is adequately imported and country for the rest of the year. distributed throughout Yemen at a fair price. We again urge all parties to the Riyadh Agreement to redouble In addition, we remain concerned about the efforts aimed at its implementation and to return the dire humanitarian situation in the country. Military Yemeni Government to Aden so that it can restore basic escalation, economic crisis, food insecurity, famine services and take steps to improve economic stability. risk, heavy rain, floods and subsequent displacement and the coronavirus disease pandemic have put Yemen We continue to have grave concerns over the state of in extremely difficult and miserable circumstances. the FSO SAFER tanker, as the Council heard from other members today. With their delays and unreasonable Around 21 million people, including more than demands, the Houthis have thus far squandered the 11 million children, need humanitarian assistance. opportunity that the United Nations has afforded them About 2.25 million children are at risk of acute to avoid an environmental and economic calamity. malnutrition, and more than 2 million school-aged girls and boys are now out of school. In Ma’rib, at least 154 Despite all those challenges, I would like to end civilians have been killed and 21,500 people displaced where I started — with a note of hope. We have a real since the beginning of 2021. opportunity here for peace in Yemen. Let us therefore stand together, our voices united as one Council, and Against that backdrop, we would like to do everything we can to support some of the world’s re-emphasize the importance of providing safe and most vulnerable people. Let us put an end to this unimpeded humanitarian access for those in need in terrible conflict. Yemen. It is urgent to fully remove the sea blockade in order to ensure food and fuel supplies. Moreover, Mr. Dang (Viet Nam): I thank Mr. Khiari, we reiterate our support for UNICEF’s calls for all Mr. Griffiths and Ms. Fore for their comprehensive stakeholders in Yemen to uphold children’s right briefings, and I welcome the participation of to education and work together to achieve lasting the Permanent Representative of Yemen in our meeting today. and inclusive peace. All parties must also comply with international humanitarian law and implement On the peace process, despite the increasing efforts resolution 2573 (2021), including the protection of of regional partners and the international community, civilian infrastructure. we have not seen any progress in the negotiations of the relevant parties in Yemen. The continued fighting On the FSO SAFER oil tanker issue, it is crucial in parts of Yemen is one of the biggest obstacles now more than ever to turn commitments into actions. to the peace process. Casualties, including women The United Nations technical team should be allowed and children from all sides, have been on the rise in to access the tanker without further delay. We cannot recent months. emphasize enough the threat that the tanker poses to the environment, economy and people in the region. In that context, we reiterate our view that there is no military solution to the conflict in Yemen. Instead, Last but not least, we believe that the full all parties should heed the Secretary-General’s call implementation of the Stockholm Agreement and the for a global ceasefire, in accordance with resolution Riyadh agreement should be honoured and promoted.

14/21 21-23210 23/08/2021 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8840

Ms. Byrne Nason (Ireland): I would like to thank children, particularly girls, remain the primary victims today’s briefers and welcome Mr. Martin Griffiths to of this horrific crisis. the Chamber. It is good to see him here in his new role. As we approach the International Day to Protect I am always very happy to see Ms. Henrietta Fore in Education from Attack, we are reminded that every the Chamber. child should have a desk where they can learn in safety I would also like to welcome the appointment earlier and security and begin to build a brighter future for this month of Mr. Hans Grundberg as the new Special themselves, their family and their country. We know Envoy for Yemen. We look forward to working with that when girls have access to education, they are him as he takes forward the crucial work of seeking empowered and equipped to participate fully in political solutions to this devastating crisis, building, of course, and social life in later years and to break devastating on the valiant and tireless efforts of Mr. Griffiths. cycles of violence, conflict and poverty. Regrettably, as we have heard from other It is therefore shameful that more than 2 million speakers, the summer months in Yemen have seen a Yemeni children are currently out of school; that a further deterioration of the political, security, human harrowing 70 per cent of Yemeni girls are married rights and humanitarian situations, with devastating while still children, which automatically denies those consequences for the ordinary people in Yemen — the girls access to education; and that schools in Yemen civilian population. continue to be attacked and used for military purposes. Ireland reiterates our firm conviction that there can Ireland fully supports the critical work of UNICEF be no military solution to this conflict. A nationwide in addressing those vitally important issues, including ceasefire is urgently needed in order to open the way in providing access to education and in supporting for inclusive negotiations on the badly needed political teachers and school staff whose salaries have gone way forward. Such processes require the full, equal and unpaid for many years. meaningful participation of women. Ireland remains deeply concerned about the Ireland also calls for the full implementation of humanitarian consequences of the protracted conflict the Riyadh agreement and for all parties to set their in Yemen, further compounded by the continuing differences aside and, finally, to act in the interests of violence across the country and the serious economic the Yemeni people. We reiterate our strong support for pressures that Yemenis currently face. the unity Government of Yemen and call on all sides to Today, we heard again from Under-Secretary- resume dialogue, with the aim of the safe return of the General Griffiths that the humanitarian and Government to Aden. economic crises in Yemen are conflict-driven. The The continued absence of any women in the cabinet lack of fuel entering Al-Hudaydah port directly and is very regrettable. We hope that this issue will be indirectly affects the ability of millions of Yemenis addressed in the very near future. The voice of Yemeni to access food. Rising fuel prices means rising food women in finding a pathway to peace is critical. We prices. The only food on shelves in Yemen today is will return to this point again and again until it is done. food that few can afford. Let us not forget that the effects of famine, horrific as they are, are not only I repeat Ireland’s call for all parties to comply with immediate, but also intergenerational. The effects are their obligations under international humanitarian and intergenerational. The effects of stunting and education human rights law, as well as for accountability for lost will undermine the ability of Yemenis to rebuild crimes committed against the Yemeni people, which is their country once this brutal conflict finally ends. In critical for any lasting peace. other words, Yemen’s future will be marked for decades to come by famine. We call for the lifting of restrictions The briefing we just heard from Ms. Henrietta of imports into Al-Hudaydah port, the payment of civil Fore, taken together with recent reports, lays bare the servant salaries and the preserving and strengthening devastating combined impact of war and poverty on of critical humanitarian access to all those in need. the innocent children of Yemen. I will not repeat the horrifying facts and figures. They are staggering and Mr. Ladeb (Tunisia) (spoke in Arabic): I would all too familiar by now. They make clear that Yemeni like to begin by thanking Mr. Mohamed Khaled Khiari,

21-23210 15/21 S/PV.8840 The situation in the Middle East 23/08/2021

Mr. Martin Griffiths and Ms. Henrietta Fore for their from Mr. Martin Griffiths, and the health situation valuable briefings on the situation in Yemen. I also continues to worsen because of the COVID-19 and welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative other pandemics and diseases in addition to the of Yemen at this meeting. decline in purchasing power and the deteriorating food situation. Millions of Yemenis are at risk of famine, The multidimensional crisis in Yemen has been and millions of children are suffering from acute ongoing for several years. The security, living, malnutrition. Furthermore, more than 2 million school- humanitarian and health conditions in the country have age children are unable to attend school, and internal continued to deteriorate. Despite diplomatic efforts, the fighting goes on in many regions, while the prospect displacement is continuing. That has very serious of a political solution has stalled and the parties to the implications at different levels today and will continue conflict insist on the military option. That has led to to do so in future. In that context, we reiterate the thousands of deaths, millions of displaced Yemenis, need to allow unimpeded access for humanitarian and the wide-scale destruction of infrastructure and an medical assistance and to open seaports and airports unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The coronavirus for the delivery of basic living necessities to the Yemeni disease (COVID-19) pandemic and recent flooding people. We also emphasize the importance of providing have further exacerbated the situation. the necessary funding for humanitarian operations in particular, as the number of persons reliant on such In that context, Tunisia reiterates its firm position humanitarian assistance continues to increase and that military options will only lead to greater suffering as living conditions continue to deteriorate amid the for the Yemeni people and that ending the crisis can continuing military operations, leading to displacement be achieved only through a political settlement based and the destruction of infrastructure. on an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and the active engagement of the parties to the conflict in a The continued presence of the FSO SAFER even political dialogue that first and foremost prioritizes the as its structure deteriorates threatens an unprecedented interests of Yemen and leads to a settlement that restores environmental, economic and humanitarian disaster in security and stability in Yemen while preserving its the region. Therefore, we call on the Houthis to facilitate sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. the necessary measures for the arrival of international Furthermore, Tunisia stresses the need for the political experts to carry out the necessary technical inspection process to be inclusive and for women and youth to and repairs as soon as possible. actively participate in it. Mr. Kiboino (Kenya): Let me begin by welcoming We welcome the appointment of Mr. Hans Mr. Martin Griffiths, in his new capacity as the Under- Grundberg as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and for Yemen, and we underscore our support for continued Emergency Relief Coordinator, with whom we look United Nations, international and regional efforts forward to working. We also thank Assistant Secretary- to end the hostilities and launch the political process General Mohamed Khaled Khiari and UNICEF and negotiations among the parties to the conflict. We Executive Director Henrietta Fore for their briefings. also emphasize the need to end military operations, We welcome the participation of the Permanent in particular the Houthi attack on Ma’rib governorate, Representative of Yemen in this meeting. We would also as they further complicate the crisis and jeopardize like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Hans civilian lives. We reiterate Tunisia’s condemnation of Grundberg on his appointment as the new Special the repeated attacks by the Houthis on the territory of Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen. We wish the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we call for an end him every success and assure him of our cooperation. to be put to such attacks. In addition, we stress that the However we look at it, the protracted conflict in parties must refrain from attacking civilians and respect Yemen has no winners — only losers. Those who lose their commitments in accordance with international the most are the vulnerable — children, youth, women humanitarian law. and the elderly, whose daily prayer is for an end to The deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen the ravaging civil war, a return of peace and, with it, is a source of deep concern. Living and economic the opportunity to rebuild their lives and regain their conditions continue to deteriorate, as we have heard ability to fend for themselves.

16/21 21-23210 23/08/2021 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8840

The continuing lack of progress on the political track, ensuring that teachers receive their salaries and are including the stalled ceasefire talks, is disappointing. It enabled to continue teaching. is reflective of the failure of the parties to prioritize We condemn any attacks on, or conversion of, the needs of their own people. We appeal to all Yemeni civilian infrastructure such as schools and health stakeholders to realize that there is no military solution facilities for military use. We urge the concerned to the conflict. The time has come for them to engage parties to desist from such and allow the boys and girls in soul-searching and participate constructively in an of Yemen to receive medical care, education and other inclusive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned process, with services necessary to their well-being. the support of the United Nations as well as regional and international partners. The increasing number of mysterious attacks using water-borne improvised explosives and other explosive In such a process, the parties must be willing to devices on ships off the coast of Yemen and other nearby make the compromises necessary to break the existing waters are deeply concerning. Such acts threaten the stalemate and achieve a working nationwide ceasefire safety of international shipping and navigation, with within an agreed time frame and, ultimately, a a possible costly disruption of international trade and sustainable, negotiated political solution to the conflict. commerce affecting the region and beyond. We remain disturbed about the escalation of fighting in Ma’rib, Abyan, Al-Bayda, Al-Hudaydah, Al-Jawf, On this note, it is disappointing that little progress Taiz and other areas. Of particular concern is the fact has been made towards resolving the situation around that some parties have resorted to recruiting children to the FSO SAFER tanker. Once again, we call on the fight in those battles. I reiterate Kenya’s condemnation Houthis to engage constructively in finding a solution of the use of children in military trainings or on the and avert an environmental catastrophe. front lines of battle, or even exposing them to weapons In conclusion, I reaffirm Kenya’s solidarity with the of war. people of Yemen. We support efforts to find innovative The congratulatory message sent by Al-Qaida in ways of helping them to surmount their challenges in the Arabian Peninsula to the Taliban is an indicator order to rebuild their country and their lives. of the fact that the recent events in Afghanistan could Mr. Geng Shuang (China) (spoke in Chinese): inspire and embolden jihadist groups in the region I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari, Under- and beyond. It is important that the Security Council Secretary-General Griffiths and Executive Director respond in a united and assertive manner to counter Fore for their respective briefings. I welcome the such threats globally. presence of the Permanent Representative of Yemen at Kenya is gravely concerned about the worsening this meeting. humanitarian situation, including the heightened risk No progress has been made in alleviating Yemen’s of famine affecting more than 20 million people. economic and humanitarian crisis or its political and We continue to support calls for not only increased security challenges. The Yemeni people, especially humanitarian assistance but also guarantees for Yemeni children, are still suffering a great deal. All humanitarian access. Special attention should, in parties in Yemen and the international community this regard, be accorded to addressing the surge in must step up their efforts to find a way out of the coronavirus disease infections. current predicament. We are also concerned by suffering of millions of First, a comprehensive ceasefire must be achieved children, including the more than 2 million who remain as soon as possible, and the peace process must be out of school owing to the protracted conflict. That will resumed at an early date. A military solution is not an affect their ability to have meaningful livelihoods and option for Yemen; a political solution is the only way instead serve as a reservoir for recruitment by armed to overcome the crisis there. The Secretary-General and terrorist groups. recently appointed a new Special Envoy for Yemen Kenya commends the efforts undertaken by of whom all parties have high expectations. We hope UNICEF to ensure the continuity of learning for children that Special Envoy Grundberg, upon assumption of in Yemen. We call on the international community to his new function, will perform his duties objectively enhance support for the education sector, including by and impartially in accordance with his mandate, fully

21-23210 17/21 S/PV.8840 The situation in the Middle East 23/08/2021 listen to the views of all parties, actively respond to the Last but not least, with regard to the FSO SAFER concerns of the international community to promote the oil tanker, China once again urges the Houthis to implementation of Security Council resolutions, strive strengthen communication with the relevant United to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire at an early date Nations agencies and provide United Nations technical and make progress in dialogues and peace talks. China personnel with cooperation and access as soon as has always supported the work of the Special Envoy possible to prevent an avoidable economic, humanitarian and looks forward to Mr. Grundberg’s briefing to the and marine environmental catastrophe. Council on his work plan and considerations as soon The President: I shall now make a statement in my as possible. capacity as the representative of India. Secondly, we must give full play to the role of I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari the countries of the region and create synergy so as and Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths for their to promote peace talks. Recently, the countries in briefings. In particular, allow me to welcome Under- the region, including Saudi Arabia and Oman, have Secretary-General Martin Griffiths to our meeting continued to engage in mediation efforts, for which in his new role. I thank the Executive Director of China expresses its appreciation. The United Nations UNICEF, Henrietta Fore, for sharing her insights on and the countries in the region should compare notes the situation of children in Yemen. I also welcome the on their good offices in a timely fashion and strengthen presence of the Permanent Representative of Yemen to coordination and cooperation. Countries with important this meeting today. influence on Yemen should continue to play an active and constructive role to promote mutual trust among The continued military escalation in Ma’rib all parties to the conflict and adhere to the general has triggered counteroffensive operations in other direction of a political settlement. provinces of Yemen. Violent clashes continue to rage along multiple front lines across Yemen, which have China has always actively supported and undermined the prospects of peace in the country. We constructively participated in the Yemeni peace process. call on all parties to refrain from military action that When State Councilor and Minister for Foreign Affairs could lead to a further escalation of hostilities. We also of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi visited the reiterate the importance of the full implementation countries in the region in the first half of this year, he of the Stockholm and Riyadh agreements, which is put forward a five-point initiative on achieving peace an essential requirement for maintaining calm and and stability in the Middle East. China stands ready to stability in Yemen. Countries in the region are also maintain communication and close coordination with all encouraged to continue their efforts, and we support parties on the five-point initiative in a concerted effort efforts in that direction. to seek peace, build security and promote development in the Middle East. While the security situation remains precarious, the humanitarian situation worsens with every passing Thirdly, we must scale up international day. The recent rise in coronavirus disease infections humanitarian assistance to ease difficulties in Yemen’s and deaths has triggered fears of a third wave of the economy and people’s livelihood. The Yemeni people pandemic. The recent torrential rains and widespread are suffering from the many-faceted distress of war, flooding have resulted in the loss of life and property, famine, pandemic and flooding. China notes that the and consequently worsened the humanitarian situation Yemeni Government has taken tailored measures and in the country. All those developments only underscore made active efforts to restore the economy, stabilize the need for regular, predictable and unimpeded delivery the currency and protect people’s livelihood. China of humanitarian assistance and adequate funding for appreciates and supports those efforts. The international humanitarian operations on an urgent basis. India calls community, especially donors, should honour its for enhanced and effective humanitarian assistance to commitments and increase assistance and support to the Yemeni population throughout the country without Yemen. All parties to the conflict in Yemen should any discrimination. provide safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to ensure that channels for humanitarian assistance We heard from the Executive Director of UNICEF remain open and conditions conducive to easing the about the grave impact of the protracted conflict on humanitarian situation are established. Yemeni children. Women and children have suffered

18/21 21-23210 23/08/2021 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8840 the most during these long years of conflict in Yemen. Representative of France, for a successful presidency Around 1.7 million children have been uprooted from last month. their homes and displaced multiple times. The ongoing I thank my dear brother Assistant Secretary- conflict has also deprived them of access to immediate General Khaled Khiari for his briefing and welcome basic medical care, safe water and sanitation. The Mr. Martin Griffiths, who is present with us today education of children in Yemen has also been severely and briefed us on the most recent developments on the disrupted. The forcible recruitment of children and humanitarian situation in Yemen since he assumed his their indoctrination through camps remain a cause for new post. I wish him every success. We stand ready concern. If that situation continues, it will have a long- to cooperate with him so as to ensure success in his lasting impact on an entire generation in Yemen, as upcoming tasks. well as on the future of Yemen. The Government of Yemen once again welcomes The recent oil spill created by the Dia oil tanker the appointment of Mr. Hans Grundberg as the new off the coast of Aden is a pertinent reminder of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen. He urgent redressal of the situation surrounding the FSO has our full support in his efforts to resume the political SAFER tanker. An oil spill in the Red Sea as a result process and reach a comprehensive political solution to of FSO SAFER’s dilapidated condition would have a put an end to the coup d’état and war fuelled by the far more serious and long-lasting environmental and Houthi militias. We call for recent efforts to continue humanitarian impact on Yemen and the region. We and be built upon while discouraging any new tracks therefore strongly support the call for urgent access to and ideas that would prolong the suffering of the Yemeni the FSO SAFER tanker for the United Nations team. people without investing in the achievements registered The time has come for the international community, to date. I would also like to thank Ms. Henrietta Fore in particular the Council, to step up its efforts for an for her briefing. immediate cessation of hostilities. As a long-standing Our Yemeni people cannot endure any more friend of Yemen, with historical ties that have been humanitarian suffering or additional burdens. Houthi nurtured and strengthened over centuries, India militias, supported by the Iranian regime, continue reiterates its call for an urgent nationwide ceasefire, with their destructive approach and aggression against followed by a robust and inclusive political process, the country and its social fabric. They continue with with full respect for Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, their intransigence and arrogance while rejecting all independence and territorial integrity. Only such an regional and international solutions and initiatives approach can result in enduring peace in Yemen. aimed at bringing about a comprehensive and lasting In that regard, we welcome the appointment of peace. Houthi militias continue their military escalation Hans Grundberg of Sweden as the new Special Envoy against cities and camps for displaced persons while for Yemen and hope that he will infuse new momentum targeting civilians and civilian locations in the sisterly into the negotiations, which have reached a stalemate. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We urge all parties in Yemen to immediately end the The Government of Yemen, represented by His fighting and engage with the Special Envoy in good Excellency Mr. Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi, President of faith without any preconditions, for the well-being of the Republic, underscores once again its eagerness to the Yemeni people. put an end to the conflict, which has led to the worst humanitarian crisis and to the displacement of millions I now resume my functions as President of the of Yemeni people. We have responded positively to the Security Council. various options and endeavours to bring about peace I give the floor to the representative of Yemen. and end this loathsome and absurd war in order to maintain the security, unity and stability of Yemen and Mr. Al-Saadi (Yemen) (spoke in Arabic): At the ease the humanitarian suffering. outset, allow me, Mr. President, to congratulate you on your country’s assumption of the presidency of We have agreed to compromise in order to stop the Security Council this month. I wish you and your the bloodshed among the people of Yemen and reach friendly delegation every success in your tasks. I would a comprehensive political settlement, in line with the also like to thank your predecessor, the Permanent political terms of reference agreed, namely the Gulf

21-23210 19/21 S/PV.8840 The situation in the Middle East 23/08/2021

Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation headquarters from Houthi-controlled areas so that it Mechanism, the outcome of the Comprehensive can discharge its mandate. National Dialogue and Security Council resolutions, The continued attacks by the Houthi militias on in particular resolution 2216 (2015). Those terms of Ma’rib governorate and the systematic targeting of reference are the basis for a genuine national partnership civilians and camps for internally displaced persons and peaceful coexistence among all segments of the using ballistic missiles, drones and various heavy Yemeni population. They pave the way for a new and weapons have led to increased suffering of the more democratic Yemen. than 2 million displaced people. They have also In that regard, we stress the need for the international led to the killing of civilians, the majority of them community and the Security Council to shoulder their women and children, in addition to the daily killings responsibilities and bring pressure to bear on the perpetrated by those militias using heavy and medium Houthi militias to choose peace and stop the escalation weaponry on inhabited areas in Tazz. Snipers have of violence and killing of Yemenis. The lack of decisive also targeted civilians, causing a significant number of casualties. Those represent crimes against humanity action has encouraged the militias to continue the war and a flagrant violation of international humanitarian and reject peace initiatives and any engagement with the law and international human rights law. We call international community and the Security Council. We upon the international community and human rights look forward to productive regional and international organizations to shoulder their legal and ethical efforts to reach a political solution in Yemen, with responsibilities with regard to such systematic crimes positive results that would meet the aspirations of the against civilians and internally displaced persons, Yemeni people for stability, security and development which aim to thwart international efforts to bring about while easing the humanitarian suffering that they have peace. We also call upon the Security Council to assume endured since the coup d’état perpetrated by the Houthi its role, stop such attacks, alleviate the suffering of the militias in 2014. All Yemeni people want to live in Yemeni people and push towards a political solution to peace and enjoy stability and prosperity. They would end the conflict. like to overcome the current challenges caused by the coup d’état and move towards reconstruction while Houthi militias are also obstructing relief efforts addressing the economic and humanitarian impacts of by international organizations and United Nations the conflict. agencies in areas under their control. They are adopting starvation policies while disregarding the humanitarian The Houthi militias have used Al-Hudaydah and suffering and the loss of livelihoods of millions of its ports as a base from which to prepare and launch Yemenis. The militias are exploiting the tragic situation booby-trapped vessels that are controlled remotely of Yemenis to mislead the international community. We and to plant sea mines, in addition to engaging in call for an end to such practices in order to ensure that piracy. That constitutes a threat to regional and humanitarian assistance reaches the millions who are in international peace and security, in particular because need. We also call for an end to attempts by the militias it targets, in an unprecedented manner, international to widen the scope of the humanitarian disaster. navigation and trade routes, which, in turn, affects The considerable efforts made by the Yemeni global energy security on one of the most important Government to alleviate the destructive economic international maritime waterways in the Red Sea and repercussions of the war are insufficient. In that the Bab el-Mandab Strait. Those militias also use the regard, we reiterate the call to the international Stockholm Agreement to destabilize Yemen and the community to contribute by providing urgent support region while targeting civilians and civilian locations to the Government’s efforts and by assisting its in Al-Hudaydah, where scores of attempted attacks measures and plans to achieve economic stability and by Houthi militias supported by the Iranian regime prevent the dangerous consequences of the growing have been thwarted. The militias impose limitations humanitarian disaster. That would be achieved by and place obstacles to obstruct the work of the United supporting the efforts to strengthen the capacity of Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement the national economy and prevent the collapse of the (UNMHA). The Government has stressed before the national currency by taking many measures, such Council in many occasions the need to move UNMHA as establishing a mechanism for the disbursement

20/21 21-23210 23/08/2021 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8840 of donor funds for relief work in Yemen through the which would have serious economic, humanitarian Central Bank of Yemen, which would help to support and environmental consequences in the event of the the value of the national currency and economic largest oil spill in history due to the repeated rejection stability, as well as by including development priorities by the Houthis. It would damage the ecosystems in and needs in all humanitarian interventions towards the Red Sea, lead to a collapse of the fishing sector in achieving an early recovery by focusing on community the region and affect international shipping lanes and economic activities, implementing the Sustainable the global economy. We once again call on the United Development Goals and shifting from relief work to Nations to step up its efforts to reach the tanker and supporting development areas and the productive and carry out the necessary measures without delay before economic sectors. the occurrence of that impending disaster. The Yemeni Government holds the Houthi militias The President: There are no more names inscribed fully responsible for any damage caused by the on the list of speakers. I will now adjourn the meeting floating FSO SAFER oil tanker after they obstructed so that the Council can continue its discussion on the the arrival of the United Nations technical team to subject in closed consultations. conduct an assessment and maintenance operations. We warn against the worst disaster in the Red Sea, The meeting rose at noon.

21-23210 21/21